Elizabeth: February 1589

580. Goods spoiled from Scottish merchants. [Feb. 2.]

"The inventour of the guidis spoylzeit from the Scotisch merchauntis the secound day of Februar 1588."

Johne Robertstoun and Auchbald Johnestoun, burgessis of Edinburgh.

Item, xl ellis ane halfe blak dames at vl. vs. the ell, ij^cxijl. xs. [sic]. Item, xl ellis rid and quhyt dames at vijl., ij^ciiij^xx l. Item, xiiij vnce collouris of traissis at xvjl., xiiijl. xvijs. vjd. Item, xx ellis silk callit poyl de soy at iiijl., iiij^xx l. Item, iij dozen selch beltis at iiijl. xs. is xiijl. xs ^ti. Item, xx rim paper cost xxxijl. Item, xiiij ellis blak seirge at iiijl. xvijs. vjd., lxviijl. vs. Item, xiij ellis ane half claith of the seill at vijl. the ell; summa is iiij^xxxivl. xs. Item, xij ellis claith of the seill at ixl. xs., j^cxijl. Item, xiiij ell thre quarteris blak seirge at vl. the ell; summa is lxxiijl. xvs. Item, xiiij ellis tauny claith at vjl. viijs. the ell, iiij^xxxijl. ixs. Item, xv ellis ane quarter blak seirge at vl. ijs. vjd., lxxvjl. xvijs. Item, ij steckis seirge Daskot at xxvijl. the steck, liiijl. Item, iiij steckis bukrum at iiijl., xvjl. Item, ane dozen weluot beltis for bairnes, iijl. xs. Item, ane dozen weluot hat bandes, vl. Item, ane pound blak satein pasmentis cost xijl. xs. Item, xxij vnce thre quarteris fyne satein pasmentis at xiiijl. the pound is xixl. xviijs. Item, j l xij vnce blak traissis of silk at xiijl. xs. is xxiiijl. Item, ane dozen hat bandis cost vijl. vs. Item, vj gilt dageris at iiijl. xs., xxvijl. Item, iiij bauer hatis at vl. xs. is xxijl. Item, iiij bauer hatis cost iiijl. xs. is xviijl. Item, iij gray bauer hatis cost ixl. Item, iiij bauer hatis cost iijl. vs. is xiijl. Item, vj bauer hatis cost vijl. is xlijl. Item, vj felt hatis lynit with weluot cost xxl. Item, vj hatis lynit with weluot cost xviijl. Item, vj hatis lynit with weluot cost xiijl. Item, vj hatis lynit with weluot cost xijl. Item, ane dozen hatis lynit with taffeta cost xxl. Item, ij hatis lynit with weluot cost xl. Item, viij gray hatis cost xxl. Item, iij hatis lynit with weluot braid cost xvjl. xs. Item, ane hinger to ane bed sowit with silk cost xvl. Item, ane pair silke schankis cost xxl. Item, ix l. iiij vnce ane q^d blak satein pasmentis cost xiijl. xs. is j^cxxvl. Item, j l. xiij vnce pasmentis at xvl. the pound is xxvijl. jxs. Item, v gross specktekellis at vijl. the gross, xxxvl. Item, iiij steckis lyning bukrum cost vijl. Item, lxj ellis stenting canvis at xiijs. vjd. is xljl. iijs. vjd. Item, ij bushilis ane quarter plum damess cost xxvijl. xvs. Item, ane dozen weluot beltis for women cost vijl. Item, tua dozen hat bandis of weluot cost xijl. Item, xx ellis paking canves cost ixl. Item, iiij pair worsat schankis cost xvl. Item, v littill bushilis confectit socatis costis xl. Item, xij dozen red pointis cost ls. Item, ane braissin chaufat cost xxxs. Item, xv bellis, xxs. Item, ane purss in the quhilk thair tua aingellis, thre scotis angellis, thre franche crounis, tua scotis crwins, tua double doucatis, ane flemis gurdling of gold and iij crowins franche money, ij gold ringis worth x crowins, extending to iiij^xxiiijl. xvs. Item, ane post sadell and ane suord, xijl. The saidis John and Awchbald claithis, lxxl.

Suma of the haill, ij^mlxxvijl. xs.

Johne Johnstoun, burgis of Edinburgh.

Item, xx boundis threid at xxxijs. is xxxijl. Item, x pound v vnce silk pasmentis at xiiijl. is j^cxliiijl. Item, iij pound collouris of silk at xiiijl. is xlijl. Item, j pound blak silk, xjl. Item, ix steckis new bukrum, xxxvjl. Item, x steckis auld bukrum cost xvijl. xs. Item, ane dozen hat bandis, v the dozen, xvl.

Suma is iij^cjl. xvijs. [sic].

Robert Alschinder, burges of Streveling.

Item, ane dozen hatis lynit with taffeta, xxl. Item, half ane dozen hatis lynit with weluot, xviijl. Item, ane dozen hatis bandit with weluot cost xiiijl. Item, half ane dozen hatis lynit with weluot cost xiijl. Item, ane dozen hat bandis cost iiijl. iiijs. Item, ane dozen hat bandis cost iijl. vs. Item, iij pound blak silk at xl. vs. the pound is xxxl. xvs.

Suma is j^ciijl. iiijs.

Robert Jousse, burges of Edinburgh.

Item, ane dozen hatis lynit with taffeta cost xxl. Item, xv bauer hatis cost lxxvjl. xs. Item, ane dozen hatis lynit with taffeta cost xxvijl. Item, iij dozen hat bandis cost xiiijl. Item, ij dozen hat bandis of craip silk cost xxiijl. Item, ane dozen hat bandis of craip cost vjl. Item, tua dozen hat bandis for bairnes, xxijs.

Suma, vj^clxvijl. xijs.

John Wilsoun, burges of Edinburgh.

Item, xxxiij pound collouris of silk pasmentis, cost xiijl. the pound; suma is iiij^cixl. Item, xvij pound blak watting pasmentis at xiijl., ij^cxxviijl. Item, xxj pound collouris of watting pasmentis at xvl. the pound is iij^cxvl. Item, vj traissing of silk at xiiijl. is iiij^xxiiijl. Item, vj pound fyne traissing at xvl. is iiij^xxxl. Item, xij pound ane edgit blak pasmentis at xiijl., j^cljl. [sic]. Item, xj pound blak satein pasmentis cost xijl., is j^cxxxijl. Item, x dozen silk gairtrins cost xijl. the dozen, j^cxxl. Item, xx peice fyne boutclaith cost vijl. the steck, j^cxll. Item, xij steck roubeing boutclaith cost lxl. Item, ij dozen hatis lynit with taffetta cost xll. Item, ij dozen hatis lynit with weluot cost lxl. Item, vj peice of craip of silk of j^c l. ell at xxvjs. the ell is j^ciiij^xxvijl. xs. Item, xij steck craip of Leon of lenth iij^c ellis cost xijs. the ell, jciiij^xx l. Item, j^c l steckis new bukrum at iiijl. the steck, vj^c l. Item, l steckis lynning bukrum at xxxvs. the steck, iiij^xxvijl. xs. Item, v steckis Lyllis worsat cost xxl. the steck, j^c l. Item, x steckis tueillit buerat cost xvjl. the steck, j^clxl. Item, x dozen gilt [scheiris?] cost xlviijs. dozen, xxiiijl. Item, l pound blak silk cost xl. the pound is v^c l. Item, xx pound collouris of silk cost xiiijl. the pound is ij^ciiij^xx l. Item, vj dozen round stringis set with gort cost xxxvjl. Item, iiij dozen tua plet bandis cost xvjl. xvjs. Item, viij dozen small plet of grit bandis at viijl. dozen, lxiiijl. Item, iij dozen hat bandis plet of silk cost xvl. Item, vj dozen hat bandis of craip of silk at xijl., lxxijl. Item, iij dozen weluot hat bandis cost xvjl. xs. Item, vj dozen weluot beltis for men at viijl. dozen, xlviijl. Item, vj dozen weluot beltis for women at vijl., xlijl. Item, xx dozen selch skin beltis cost iiijl. the dozen, iiij^xx l. Item, tua ballotis canves cost ij^cxll. Item, iiij^xx gross of prenis [pins] at iiijl. the gross, iij^cxxl. Item, iiij steckis lane cost lxl. Item, l pound raa silk at iijl. the pound is j^cll. Item, xl ellis of burrat fassoint of silk cost xls. the ell, iiij^xx l. Item, vij hundred weycht alme at xvl. the hundred cost j^cvl. Item, 1 pound weycht pepper cost xxxvjs. the pound, iiij^xxxl. Item, 1 dozen braid belting silk at iijl. xs. the dozen, j^clxxvl. Item, xxx gross kairtis at viijl. the groce is ij^cxll. Item, 1 gross cambis at iijl. xs. the gross, j^clxxvl. Item, lx boundis threid at xxxiijs. the bound, iiij^xxxixl. Item, j^cxx pound blew threid at xxs. the pound is j^cxxl. Item, lx bolt worsat pasmentis cost xxs. the bolt, lxl. Item, j^cxx rim paper cost xxxs. the rim, j^ciiij^xx l. Item, tua steckis fyne grougrane worsat cost xxxl. Item, vj steckis camredge [cambric] cost iiij^xxiijl. Item, xl dozen Floran rubains cost xxvjs. dozen, lijl. Item, iij dozen Knapska bonetis cost lxl. Item, lxviij dozen peceling cost xxs. dozen is lxviijl.

Suma is vj^mvij^cxxvl.

James Temple, burgis of Glasgow.

Item, lij l. pasmentis of silk of sundry' collouris at xiijl. the pound is vj^ciiij^xx l. Item, xv pound blak silk cost xl. the pound is j^cll. Item, x pound collouris of silk cost xiiijl. the pound, j^cxll. Item, iiij^xxx ellis airmose taffeta cost liiijs. the ell, ij^cxll. Item, vj steckis camredge cost xvl. the steck, iiij^xxxl. Item, xxx dozen Florane rubains cost xxviijs. the dozen, xlijl. Item, xl gross cambis cost iijl. vjs. the gross is j^cxxxijl. Item, xx gross quhyt wod cambis cost xliiijs. the gross, xliiijl. Item, x gross quhyt wod cambis cost xxxviijs. the gross, xixl. Item, 1 steckis new bukrum cost iiijl. the steck is ij^c l. Item, xxx steckis lyning bukrum cost xxxvs. the steck, lxjl. xs. Item, x peice belting silk cost xvl. the peice, j^cll. Item, lxvj ellis craip of silk cost xxvjs. the ell, iiij^xxvjl. Item, vj peice craip of Leon cost xvjl. the peice, iiij^xxxvjl. Item, x steckis boutclaith cost vjl. the steck, lxl. Item, lv boundis blak threid at xxxiiijs. the bound, iiij^xxxiijl. xs. Item, and ballot canves cost j^cxxl. Item, lv ellis gray canves cost xvijs. the ell, xlvijl. Item, 1 pound ra silk cost iijl. the pound is j^cll. Item, x dozen hat bandis at iiijl. xs. the dozen is xlvl. Item, xxx gross prenis at iiijl. the gross is j^cxxl. Item, l pound weycht pepper at xxxvijs. the pound, iiij^cxijl. xs. Item, ix ellis blak claith at vijl. xvs. the ell, lxxl. [sic]. Item, xl pound quhyt succour candie cost liiijl. Item, tua chandelleres cost iijl. xs. Item, tua baissingis of tin cost iiijl. xs. Item, my apperrellis and callewer, xvl.

Summa, iij^mxxxvl. xvs.

Mongo Wilsoun, burgis of Glasgow.

Item, xx ellis seirge Florance cost vjl. the ell, j^cxxl. Item, tua peice gray stemming of xxx elis cost iijl. vs. the ell is iiij^xxxvijl. Item, tua peice blak claith of xxx elles cost vjl. the ell is j^ciiij^xx l. Item, tua peice rousch broun of xxxj ell cost vl. vs. the ell is ij^clxiijl. [sic]. Item, tua peice paswcullour of xxix ellis cost vl. vs. the ell is j^clijl. xs. [sic]. Item, tua peice claith of the seill of xxxij ellis cost ixl. the ell; summa, ij^ciiij^xxviijl. Item, xiiij ellis rid seirge at vl. the ell, lxxl. Item, l steckis bukrum cost iiijl. the steck, ij^c l. Item, l pound weycht silk pasmentis blak cost xiijl. the pound is vj^cll. Item, xxx gross cambis cost iijl. xs. the gross is j^cvl. Item, xx gross prenis [pins] cost iiij^xx l. Item, vj steckis boutclaith cost vjl. the steck, xxxvjl. Item, iiij dosen kairdis cost viijl. the dosen, xxxijl. Item, xxx pound caddes cost xijs. the pound, xviijl. Item, l ellis gray canvis cost xvs. the ell, xxxvijl. xs. Item, ij ballotis poldave canvis cost ij^cxll. Item, vj half bushilis plumdames cost xll.

Summa, ij^mv^cixl.

Thomas Inglis, burgis of Edinburgh.

Item, xx ellis ane half seirge of Florance cost vjl. vs. the ell; summa is j^cxxviijl. ijs. vjd. Item, xv ellis fyne claith of the seill cost ixl. the ell; summa is j^cxxxvl. Item, xiiij ellis ane half of blak cost vjl. xs. the ell; summa iiij^xxxiiijl. vs. Item, ij peice blak seirge of xxix elis cost vl. the ell; summa j^cxlvl. Item, xvj ell rusche broun seirge cost vl. vs. the ell; summa iiij^xxiiijl. Item, xvj ellis cramosse vyolat claith cost vijl. the ell; summa j^cxijl. Item, xv ellis of gray steming cost iijl. vs.; summa lijl. xs. Item, x grosse cambis cost iijl. xs. the gross, xxxvl. Item, xx steckis new bukrum cost iiijl. the steck, iiij^xx l. Item, x pound blak pasmentis of silk at xiiijl. the pound, j^cxll. Item, x groce prenis cost iiijl. the grose, xll.

Summa, j^mxliiijl. xvijs. vjd.

Patrik Aggir, burgis of Edinburgh.

Item, xxx pound caddes cost xviijl. Item, ane steck bumbasse, xvjl. Item, iij steck bukrum cost xijl. Item, ane dozen and ane half craip stringis cost xviijl. Item, his suord and apperrell worth xl.

Summa, iij^xxxvjl. [sic].

Robert Wederburne, burges of Dundee.

Item, vj half bushilis plum dames cost xll. Item, tua ellis weluot cost xxxl. Item, j^c pound weycht holeflask lint xxvl. Item, v ellis grougrane taffetie cost xxxl. Item, lxx pound weycht quhyt succour cost lijl. xs. Item, j^cl pound alme cost xvl. the c. is xxijl. xs. Item, j^c weycht nutgallis cost xxviijl. Item, xxxij gross prenis cost iiijl. the gross, j^cxxviijl. Item, xxxvj boundis blak threid cost lxl. Item, x gross cambis cost iijl. xs. the groce, xxxiijl. Item, iij dozen knapska bonnetis cost lxl. Item, xv ellis gray canvis cost xvjs. the ell, xijl. Item, ane peice blak seirge of lenth, vij ellis, ane half cost vl. the ell; summa xxxvijl. xs. Item, ane hat lynit with weluot cost iijl. xs. Item, ane suord staf cost iijl. Item, ane half ball canves cost iiij^xx l. Item, xvj dozen hat bandis at viijl. the dozen, j^cxxviijl. Item, j dozen suord beltis cost xl. xs. Item, viij grose elsching heftis cost ixl. Item, vj pound caddes cost xijs. the pound is iijl. xijs. Item, ane gross worsat pasmentis cost vl. Item, ij steckis bukassie cost xijl. Item, tua steck seirge Ipers cost xijl. xvs. Item, iij steckis round boutclaith cost xiijl. Item, xix steckis new bukrum cost iiijl. steck is lxxvjl. Item, xx steckis auld bukrum cost xxxvl. Item, ane peice Scotis claith cost ixl. Item, ane buist with sundry sort small waris cost lxl. Item, my aperellis worth xvl.

Summa, ix^clxviijl. xs.

Johne Forret, burgis of Dundee. [Feb. 4.]

Item, ane ballot and ane half canvis cost vj^xx l. the ballot is j^ciiij^xx l. Item, ij^c weycht nutgallis cost xxviijl. the c., lvjl. Item, vj half bushiliis plum damess cost xll. Item, his callever and apperell worth xxl.

Summa, ij^ciiij^xxxvjl.

James Nisbet, burgess of Edinburgh.

Item, xv ell fyne blak cost xl. the ell is j^cll. Item, ane ell and ane half fegnet taffeta with tua gross lang bouttouns cost xxijl. xs. Item, ane dozen bauer hatis cost lxl. Item, iiij braid hatis lynit with weluot cost xviijl. Item, tua pound traissing silk cost xxxjl. Item, lxx pound weycht of cadis cost xijs. the pound, xlijl. Item, xxx pound sewing worsat cost liiijl. Item, my apparrellis worth xxl. Item, xv ellis blak stemyng at vl. the ell, lxxvl.

Summa is iiij^clxxijl. xs.

Roger Maknacht, burges of Edinburgh.

Item, I pound weycht cuschoneill cost viijl. the pound, iiij^c l. Item, xx pound pasmentis of collouris of silk cost xvl. the pound, iij^c l. Item, xxijl. collouris of silk at xiijl. the pound, ij^ciiij^xxvjl. Item, xx dozen hat bandis cost vl. the dozen is j^c l. Item, I pound weycht of succour cost xvijs. the pound, xlijl. xs.

Summa of this compte, j^mj^cxxviijl. xs.

Robert Dons, master of the schip.

Item, xx pound weycht peppir cost xxxvjl. Item, xxxvj pound weycht succour cost xxxl. Item, iiij bushilis appellis cost xijl. Item, iij half bushilis peiris cost ixl. Item, vj pound weycht pouder cost vl. Item, iiij pottis cost iiijl. Item, ane lantroun leadlyn with glassis compassis cost xviijl. Item, foretapmast foreschoudis fortakell fore bonnet of ane saill worth xxl. Item, x chamberis v baissis, ane cooper, ane crabb irne worth xxxl. Item, my callever and apperrellis worth xxiiijl.

Summa, j^ciiij^xxvijl.

Suma of the haill that is tane frome ws is xix^miiij^xxxij l. vs. vjd.

Quhilk extendis in Inglis money to the soume of xix^cixl. vjs. vjd.

Signed: A. Johnstoun, burges of Edinburgh. Johne Wilsoun, burgess of Edinburgh.

11 pp. Indorsed.

581. Walsingham to Thomas Fowler. [Feb. 4.]

"Your two letters sent me by Sir Jhon [Selby's] meanes I have receyved and communicated the same unto her majesty, who restethe very well satysfyed therewith, especyally in procuring the staye of the nobleman that was meant to have ben sent hether at this assembly of owre parlament, which woold have bred a great deale of offence withowt any proffit. The best advyce that can be gyven to the King is to avoyde all coorses that may breed iealowsye."

"Your letters for your partycular served to verry good purpose, for that her majesty was greatly incensed agaynst you by some great personages there, uppon informacyon gyven that your repayre to that realme was about some notable practyce. To avoyd the myshap of interceptyng of letters, for that there may passe things betwen us not fyt to be made publycke, I send you a cypher to use as you see cause." The Court. Signed: Fra. Walsyngham.

1p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

582. Walsingham to Thomas Fowler. [Feb. 5.]

This morning my Lord Treasurer sent to me to give you advertisement that for the defence of some of the lands belonging to the Lady Arabella now in question he should have need of the evidences of the said lands; and therefore to request you to send him word where the said evidences remain, and how he may come to them. Wherein I pray you with all expedition to give his lordship such satisfaction as you can. From the court at Whitehall. Postscript. Your servant shall depart from hence within these six or seven days. Signed: Fra. Walsyngham.

⅓ p. Addressed. Indorsed.

583. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [Feb. 6.]

I wrote to you by Edward Johnston, and since on the 6th of January and on the 16th. I yet hear not of the receipt of these. I may be mistaken, because of late I saw a letter of a councillor of England, which was intercepted in coming post, bearing date the 8th of January, wherein was written that Fowler's practices were known, and gave order to intercept my letters specially. It may be that some of mine to you be intercepted already, for to any other I write not any, but of my own business; and for any practice, God be my judge, I meant none, but would gladly have done any service to your honour for the benefit of her majesty and my native country. And I will presume that not any you could send hither may have more or surer intelligence of the state of this country or proceedings here from time to time than I have, from the better sort of both factions, though indeed the matters here be of small importance, though there is as great bandings one against another and divided in factions as ever. Whereof Huntly and Bothwell are the captains opposite, even to stabbing and shooting one another. The whole friends of either faction I have given the ambassador, with such other intelligence as I trow be the best he hath.

"Alwayis the King carryeth" himself in such sort between both parties that neither of them can tell who hath him surest, and he telleth some secretly he will be no maintainer of factions, therefore he will be no partaker with anyone, but will shew himself when time serves. The chief occasion of this letter is to beseech you that if any shall inform against me, or any conceit be had of me other than well, to suspend your judgment till further proof, for in good faith I mean no evil and would fain do well, and if once again I find myself in your honourable favour then shall you know by whose means the said letter was intercepted, where, and whose letter it was, and that more will be so.

Yesternight there came to this town three Englishmen brought hither from Fernyhurst, where they have lain eight days, and came thither over the fells with one English guide. There they were used with great reverence, especially one of them. They are this night to be presented to the earl Huntly, and they say they brake out of the tower of London a twenty four days since, and were laid there for service done to the Scot's Queen, and for that should have been executed within six days after they came away; and they here take one of them to be an earl. Your honour knows if any such be gone thence, and I will know what they are within a day. But they lie close in a servant's house of the earl Huntly. Wemyss is coming thither, and as he passes into France hath commission to deal with her majesty from the King, whose marriage is now agreed upon to be with Denmark. The rest I refer to the ambassador's letter. Edinburgh. Signed: T. Fowler.

2⅓ pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

584. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Feb. 8.] Cott. Calig., D.I., fol. 251.

". . . (fn. 1) great consultacion here . . . mariage, to make his choise ether of the princes of Navare or of the second daughter of the late King of Denmarque." The Chancellor at first persuaded for the French; now, considering her years and fearing her portion wasted by the King her brother, they are resolved that it will be a far meeter match for their King with Denmark, which is there greatly desired, and great sums of money offered, beside a firm league to be had with the princes of Germany against the Spaniards and all enemies of religion.

"In the last Convencion here a subsidie of a 100 thowsand pound Scotishe was graunted for the Kings mariage; and sithence the Lord John Hamelton and the Earl Marshall commaunded to be in a readines to be sent for the bringing hither of the Kings wife that shalbe."

"Of this mariage, if it go foreward, her majestie shalbe made acquainted by the Lord of Weimes, who retorning to the King of Navare shall take with him full instrucions and comission by the waie to imp[art] unto her majestie the Kings mynd at large, both for his mariage and towching the league."

"The factions here growe jelious on of another, and . . . combine for there better strenght with there . . . and frendes . . . labour who shall . . . here with the King. The chefe of the on part is the Earl Hun[tly], the Earl Craford, the Earl Mountrose, the [Lord] Claude Hamelton, the Earl of Murray, the Lord Seaton. Chefe of the contrarie faction, the Lord John [Ham]elton, the Lord Chancellour, the Master of Glames, [the] Threasurer, the Earl of Marr, the Earl Ma[rischal]."

Bothewell is sought on b[oth] sides, for that he is "an undertaking man," as they term him here, but withall fickle, as no party is sure [of] him; feared of both sides, trusted of neither.

"Here haith ben of late and still continueth pleading in lawe for the erldome of Angus; the King claiming the land and title as heir general in the right of his grandmother, Ladie Margaret. The Laird of Glenbarvie, a D[ouglas], claimeth by entaile as heir male to the E[arl].

"The Laird of Lochleven by writt is found ne[xt] heire to the earledome of Morton, and so now [en]joyeth both title and land."

Almost all the Spaniards remain here yet in their begging state; [some] of them relieved by the nobility, [some] parted from hence toward the north of Scotland about the 16th of January. They hope men and money will be sent out of Spain, finding this country so facti[ous], and the nobility imagining this way to enrich themselves, that one party may be maintained by the King of Spain, the other by the Queen, and so little regarding their King's security, will hazard the wreck of their country and religion for their private gain.

"The discontented parsons wourke secretlie what thei can both with Spayne and Parma, although thei are out of hope to drawe there King into anie practise with forrein prince so contrarie in religion." Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

Postscript. "There is a pique growing betuixt the Erle Huntley and the erle Bodewell; thei bandit on against another, and if the King take it not up in tyme it will cost on of there lives."

3 pp. Holograph, also address. Indorsed.

585. Walsingham to Sir John Maitland. [Feb. 11.] Add. MSS. 23, 241, fol. 9.

"This gentleman, Mr. Randolph, whatsoever hath ben there undeservedly conceavid of him, is one, I can assure you, that caryeth a sound and earnest disposition to do all good offices for the knittinge of perfect frendship and inward good intelligence betwin the two princes; in furtheraunce wherof I doubt not but that you will for your part frendly concurre with him and assist him to the uttermost of your power; and you may undoubtedly beleeve that the gentleman will there acquite himself in such sorte as the King your master shall have just cause to rest well satisfyed with his actions and manner of proceedinge, and yourself and others that shall further him in the course of his negotyaciun to thinck your travells very well bestowid. Besides, because he is one whom I have alwayes used and accomptid of as my inward, good frend, I shall thincke me self particularly very much behouldinge unto you for any favour he may receave at your handes."

"Some there do not stick, as we heare, to mislyke of the choice that hath ben made of him in respect of his age, supposinge that a yonger man might have ben fitter to be sent to the King. But we do here assure our selves that the King being wyse, and all others that are of best judgement in Scotland, will rather commend the choice in respect of the yeres and gravitye of the gentleman, knowinge right well that thimployement of such ministers doth witnes that there is the greater accompt made of thos princes to whom they are sent; whereas thimployinge of yonge ministers may for the most parte in common sense and reason argue the contrary." Greenwich. Signed: Fra: Walsyngham.

1 p. Addressed.

586. Walsingham to Thomas Fowler. [Feb. 14.]

"Yours of the 6th of this present I have receyved, and am sorry to see such factyons reygning in that realme. Your letters have hetherto come surely to my handes. Whatsoever other conceyved of your doings ther, I have wrought a good conceypt in her majesty of you, and therefore I praye you be not discouraged. By the use of the cyphere such as shall seeke to intercept your letters shall gayne nothing."

"I am now, therowghe the indysposycyon of my boddye, retyred from the coort to my owne howse, where I shall remayne at least two monethes." The Savoy. Signed: Fra: Walsyngham.

1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

587. William Asheby to Walsingham. [Feb. 15.] Cott. Calig., D. I., fol. 249.

. . . (fn. 2) the 6th of February I received the 12th, with the late advertisements out of France.

"Touching the staie of Morris Desmond and Lasci I was not foregtful, and the King here condescending thereto willinglie, to staie such as her majestie would appoint, whereof I did advertise before Christmas; but his commandment would take no effect, suche friendes and favour thei did find here of divers of the nobilitie, to harbour and convey them secretlie awaie."

"A marchant of Lyth that haith his sone in Spaigne in the Inquisicion, and his ship and goodes staid there to his great losse, procured, upon the arrivall here of Juan Medina, the Kings warrant to staye as prisoners three or foure of the best capteins for the deliverie of his sone and goodes. But this marchant dourst not touche anie of them, being threatned by his own country men that thei should be taken from him and sent awaie, notwithstanding ye Kings warrant for the same." That obedience is not here that is in England to her majesty.

"The . . . may comaund muche in theise partes, and the churchmen bould to reprehend the def[ectes] emongest them; but nether the authoritie of the prince greatlie obeid, nor the discipline of the churche with anie devocion followed, which must nedes bring the ruine of this state."

"I have ever . . . disposed, even when the . . . pride and in hope of conquest and th . . . with the leaguers, trusting by there strength to bring there plotes to effect; yet this [King] was constant in his princelie course of prof . . . amitie with her majestie; and that of himselfe ag[ainst] the myndes and persuacion allmost of all his no[bilitie] and subjectes except verie few, and such [as] were honourablie used at her majesties handes, [as] the Lord John Hamelton, the Master of Glames, [and] the Earl of Marr. Theise noblemen are not [for]getfull of the favoures thei receaved in England."

The Chancellor hath incurred hazard of his life, endeavouring to risk this good purpose for amity of these two crowns and to continue the King in this course. Her majesty's remembrance of him of her liber[ality] will do good to perfect that which is to be desired in this isle, and I hope will have good success to the security of both princes and the well-affected subjects, for I find the King well bent that way.

Your letter to the Chancellor setting down what you judge her ma[jesty] will be brought unto, and what shall be convenient for the King to accept, with . . . of his careful dealing here, [and the] good opinion her majesty conceiveth of his doings will make him the willinger to perform good offices. "The leaving of his letter unanswered haith discouraged him greatlie, and could in following the course he tooke in hand." There is no man that carrieth the King so much as he, nor better affected to religion and England; therefore I judge him to be the fittest to be entertained by her majesty for the furtherance of such causes as are to [be] managed in this court.

"Here arrived latelie three English fugitives cau[led] Stocker, Bellamye and Heath. Upon there arrivall here it was geven out that the Earl of Arundale was escaped out of the Towre, but presentlie I understode by a letter from Mr Aldread of theise three that were broken o[ut] of Newgate. I acqeainted the King of their coming, desiring that they might be stayed [till] I understood her majesty's pleasure tow[ards] them. Whereunto he condesce[nded], but they find favourers here to convey them from place to place and cannot yet be apprehended. The Laird of Farnyhurst f[irst] received them from thence to a house of . . . of Pluskye . . . daily removing . . .

These inclosed were sent me from [Lord] Hamilton, desiring that the three may be sent into France. Edinburgh. Signed: W. Asheby.

Postscript. "I am requested to put your honour in mynd for [the] pasport for the Lord of Fentrie."

3½ pp. Holograph. No flyleaf or address. Indorsed.

588. Thomas Fowler to Walsingham. [Feb. 20.]

Here hath been of late great boastings between Huntly and Bothwell, and yet but dissembling as the Chancellor and others think now, who was in hope that Bothwell would have driven the other out of court at least, if he had not slain him. But they agreed suddenly between themselves, not making any of their partakers acquainted with their purpose; and the Chancellor and his followers therefore misliked Bothwell of all men, as one whom none can trust, and yet dare not greatly shew it, so desperate a man is he.

All is quiet here, and like to be. I am secretly informed that John de Modena, that went hence in a barque of Colonel Stewart, took with him three or four of the gentlemen of his company, and no more, with some few servants, leaving behind him divers good captains for the land, and a great company of poor soldiers. So that there is in this country presently 1100 or 1200 Spaniards in better or worse sort, many great men, and the captains and leaders proud and gallant, keeping house in this town. The said Modena went hence with direction from divers noblemen, as Huntly, Bothwell, Seton and others, to let the Spanish king know how many well willers he hath in this country, and to procure but 4000 Spaniards good shot and leaders, with a sum of money to be brought hither by his conduct with speed, which they here assure to receive and warrant to bring this king by fair or foul means to accept of them, being a number not dangerous, and yet as they hope will serve their turn. The King is innocent of this I am sure, and I yet dare not tell him, for I cannot avouch my author, but I have conferred with the Chancellor about it, who thinks it likely to be true. He is surely well affected himself.

This King doth reason against the Spaniards, taking the part of England, reproving sharply any that speaks against Queen or country; especially Bothwell that will conquer England with words, "that I wishe many tymes your honour were but one ower to here this kinge, so you were not knowne."

It is also said that these Spaniards already here await the coming of the others, and these leaders left here for that purpose. It is advertised hither that the Spaniard arms strongly again, and intends his landing here with his whole forces, and divers good men doubt it, wishing a provision for it between these countries. They send Wemyss with divers instruction whereby they seek much, and they have persuaded the King to ask enough, for he is sure to get little enough. I assure your honour that whatsoever her majesty yields to, he will for his own part content himself. But all his care is to stop the mouths of his evil affected subjects, that the more is done for him the better he may satisfy them with reason. It were not out of the matter to request this King to send all the Spaniards already here out of his country as enemies to her majesty and himself; and upon her majesty's request I am sure he will do it.

Colonel Stewart, who hath laboured the King's marriage with Denmark, is now become on the Chancellor's side and would fain be accounted on the English faction. He would fain win some credit again, but his credit here is not great, though well with the King by this dealing with Denmark. He sets out to me the many allies the King of Denmark hath in Germany, proving by affinity the whole protestant princes are his friends, and that this King is greatly to be strengthened by that match more than any other, not being a papist; and hath prevailed against the Chancellor's determination, which was altogether for Navarre. The Colonel confesses that the council of Denmark advises to get the Queen of England's consent in so great a matter, yet he says they will proceed if it could not be gotten. He assures he knows the Spaniard will come hither this summer, and answers my objection that he was four years making his other forces, not for that he was not able to do it sooner, but that he saw not the time proper "tyll the Guise had browght to passe his owne credyt in Fraunce suffycyent to mate the Frenche Kinge," who in no policy could suffer the Spaniard to prevail in England. And the state of France by the Guise's death is such as serves the Spaniard's turn better than ever, and they will stand no more upon joining with the Prince of Parma, but will land themselves where they see most convenient. He takes upon him to know much sundry ways, concluding that he wishes all the princes of the religion to join.

Wemyss had been there ere now but for want of money to furnish him. All the treasurers here could not furnish 500 crowns, but at last they have borrowed it till the subsidy come in. "I trust to allter sum part of Wymes his instruccyons. Bodwell wold fayne have come ambassadur in to England." Signature cut out.

2 pp. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

589. Privy Council to the English Ambassador in Scotland. [Feb. 20.]

"After our harty commendations, we do send to you by this bearer a certen pacquet sealed up with our seales, for the better understandyng whereof and for your procedyng therin, this you shall understand. The letters that ar in ciphre have bene by some good dilligence taken uppon on [blank] a Scotishman appoynted to have carryed them to the duke of Parma. The party is in person here, and shall be sent thyther to be used for the prooff that it was he which carryed those letters. The letters that was in ciphre ar deciphered and wrytten in plane for to be redd; the others are sent in ther proper nature; and for warrant of the trew deciphryng of them we have caused some few lynes of the ciphred letters to be superscribed by interlineation with the trew and playne wordis in commen letters; and to the intent that the rest may appeare to be also truly deciphred we do send to you the trew alphabet of the ciphres so as any man skillfull therin may perceave the letters to be trewly deciphred."

"The contentes of these letters ar such as you may se to be of great weight and to be used very secretly and substantially: and in very truth we ought to acknolledge the continuance of Godes favores in ordening the discovery of these notable hydden practices, so daungerous to the cause of relligion professed in both these realmes; and therewith also so daungerous both for the Queenes majesty and that Kyng and both ther realmes and faythfull subjectes as no on practise hath bene more coningly and suttelly plotted these many yers. And for prooff that these ciphred letters come from the partyes therin named, and that the contentes ar not anywise fayned, but certenly conteaning the myndes and purposes of the traytors therin mentioned, the scope of ther secret actions, the truth of all circumstances, for the naming of the parsons that ar in prison, the Jesuittes that ar ther secretly harbored, and the behavores of the erles and lordes now conspyred in all ther actions, ar unfallible proves of the truth of all the contentes, which we do mention to you as not dowtyng of your judgment so to censure the same, both by reason of the present contentes and of your own knolledge of the dependances of a great nombre of circumstances better know to you ther than can be to us."

"After you have well perused these letters in ciphre and their decipheryng with other letters which do concurr therwith, hir majesties plesur is that you should, as soone as conveniently you may, without delay resort to the Kyng and delyver to hym hir majesties letter, wherby she requireth the Kyng to gyve you creditt; and than you shall require hym that you may in most secret sort impart to hym a matter of great weight both to be known to hym, and that in secret sort, and circumspectly to be considered, for the remedy of the great daunger therupon dependyng, if it be not both secretly, wisely, stoutly and pryncely used. And if it so may be well used, you may certenly pronounce to his majesty that he shall assure himself and his state of a perpetuall great quietness, and shall therby advance Godes honor in the cause of religion. And this beyng by you aforehand declared, you shall than shew to hym the letters on after another, both in the ciphres and in ther explaned sort, and such other letters as be wrytten out of ciphre. And you shall shew to hym the alphabet, wherby his majesty may himself playnly see the truth of the translatyng therof."

"And whan he hath sene and red them, which wold be doone in secret manner, for avoydyng of suspicion by the standers by, than you may fele his mynd to whom he will communicat the same, and therin as you se cause to shew your judgment and opinion how you shall thynk the parsons fitt or unfitt whom the Kyng shall name unto you, and so use the matter by good perswasyons that nether manny be acqueynted therwith nor any that may seme to you unmete to understand the same, for feare ether of discovery of the matter to the parsons who ar the principall offenders or partenors with them."

"And you shall do your best indevor to styrr the Kyng to tak to hart these notable traytoroos conspyraces and to use all good spede to the apprehendyng of them all at one instant, as neare as may be possible; and that, beyng so apprehended, they be committed to more saff custody than it semeth ether the erl Morton or Brus or others be, that the terror of ther strayt imprisonment may terrefy their factious dependantes from attemptyng anythyng to the disquiet of his estate."

"You may remembere to hys majesty that this suffrance of the Jesuittes, as Creighton and his complyces, ar the roottes of these conspyracyes, and the contynuance of the nomber of the Spanyardes that have long remayned ther have suerly corrupted very manny of his subjectes, and hath made them very bold to attempt these treasons; and therfor the sooner they be banished the country and committed to the seas the better it shall be."

"We cannot in particular sort inform you how the King shall procede herein, but all celerite with secrecy wold be used to apprehend the principalles and to commit them, and we dout not but such as be sound counsellors and relligious will, with ther counselles and ther forces, assist the Kynge both in ther apprehension and imprisonment, and in sealyng of ther wrytynges, letters, and off the monny sent thyther from the duke of Parma mentioned in the letters; and afterward in procedyng ageynst the principall offenders by order of law, to the rootyng out of such wycked, corrupt membres, so manifestly tendyng to the subversion of the whole state of the realm and to the destruction or captyvite of the Kinges own person, as by the letters is most manifestly promised to be attempted."

"These daungers so apparant cannot be by you amplefyed to much, ether to the Kyng or to such as he shall impart the same as to receave their advise."

"And because the comming of this present messynger or your access to the Kyng, or your delyvery and his readyng of these letters in the sight of any, may percase gyve to the gilty consciences of some of the offenders some spark of suspicion of the interceptyng of these letters or of the discovery of ther practises, we do send to you at this tyme certene wrytynges and requestes of Mr. Ortell, the agent for the states of the Low Contres, as petitions from hym to the Kyng in the name of the states, which you may shew to the Kyng, so as it may please hym to referr the consideration therof to his counsell by you, to be treated withall. And if some of the offendors shall be of the nombre of those counsellors you may also more collorably deale with them herin, wherby they may conceave that your dealyng with the Kyng at this tyme is only about those matters for the Low Countres, and so you may inform the Kyng, or any confident counsellor, that you are to deale for those matters, to avoyd suspicion of discovery of the other."

"We mynd to send the party that had the cariadg of the letters, hereafter to be at Berwick, untill the letters shall be communicated to the Kyng, and than if the Kyng shall thynk it good to have hym brought thyther to avow from whom he had the letters, he may be sent, but not befor, for otherwise his coming into Scotland shall gyve light to Bruss and his complyces to provyde for themselves."

5½pp. In Burghley's hand. Indorsed.

First inclosure with the same:—

(Scottish Lords to the King of Spain.)

We cannot in words sufficiently express the great regret we have felt at having been disappointed of the hope that we had for so long had of seeing during this past year the successful results desired and expected from your majesty's preparations; and our grief has been so much the greater that your naval army should have passed so near us without visiting us, who were awaiting it with forces sufficient to receive it peaceably and to aid it against its enemies, in such sort that it would have found no resistance in this country, and with our support would have given England matter enough.

If it had at the least come here only for refreshment it would have preserved a good number of vessels and men that we know to have perished near our islands and on the coast of Ireland, and would have discovered an incredible number of friends all ready to throw in their fortunes with it, in such sort that we dare to affirm that not half so many could have been found in England, whatever the English Catholic refugees in those parts may say, who through rivalry and even un-Christian envy greatly under-rate our means of aiding you, in order to magnify their own alone, and to make themselves alone deemed able to do all, in order by such means to advance their credit with your majesty and your people. But the experience of this past year has sufficiently testified that they have not come forward in as great number as we have done to aid your forces, and hence your majesty, most prudent as you are, will, if it please you, take such account of one as will in no wise neglect the others, and will be able to make use of both for the end you have in view, without hazarding your forces at a venture either for one or the other in particular. We leave it to some of your own subjects who have been in these parts to tell you what commodities and advantages there are for descending here, where the expense employed upon the equipment of one galleas would yield more fruit than the service which might be obtained from ten of them at sea; and we can assure your majesty that having once 6000 of your men here, with money, that it would be possible to make a levy of other soldiers of this country as freely as in Spain, who will serve you no less faithfully than your natural subjects. And although we could not, without reproach of presumption, give advice to your majesty as to your affairs in those parts, yet as to that which concerns your service here we can speak more frankly as being on the spot, knowing by ordinary experience many things unknown to your people, being foreigners. The too late arrival of your army in our waters deprived it of the opportunity of retreating in such safety as could have been done by coming sooner, by reason of the high winds which reign here in autumn. Also the want of pilots of experience upon the coasts of England, Scotland and Ireland seems to have been prejudicial to the said army, which we can remedy with regard to Scotland by sending pilots from hence, if it please your majesty to have them for your use.

Likewise, saving better advice, it seems to us quite useless to combat the enemy at sea, if it can be avoided, for many reasons, and among others because those who have been fighting by sea will not be able, weary as they will be, to make a descent and fight again on land with other fresh forces; so that it would be better to slip away by one way or another to spare both men and ships; and the forces of England remaining at sea without fighting would thus be disappointed, and will not be back in time to assist those who will be attacked by land. Moreover, by sending part of the forces hither in advance, the other going later direct to England, and that secretly by way of Ireland, your majesty will cause your enemy's forces to be divided, and perhaps will cause them to send the greater part hither, if one can make them believe that all or the most part of your forces have arrived here; England will at least be by so much denuded, and many forces diverted which would resist your descent upon and invasion of their coast; and we can well promise that 6000 men coming here, and money to raise others, we shall within six weeks after their arrival be well advanced into England, in order to join and assist the forces which your majesty shall send thither.

The Chevalier William Simple, colonel, can tell your majesty the whole, who has left us; also both before and after his departure we caused many such advices to be written by the Sieur de [ ]; and addressed the whole to my lord the Duke of Parma, to whom your majesty has from the beginning referred us in these matters. Edinburgh. 14 Jan. 1589.

1¾pp. French. Decipher. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

Second inclosure with the same:—

(Robert Bruce to the Prince of Parma.)

Mr. Chisholm arrived in this country five days after his departure from thence, and with the requisite diligence came to seek the earl of Huntly in his house of Dunfermline, where, having presented to him your highness's letters of the 13th of October, he fully declared the credit committed to him, according to the contents of your highness's letters, wherein the great humanity of your highness has been perceived, and your affection towards the advancement of the glory of God in this country; with other consolations well fitted to relieve the weariness and grief conceived in the hearts of the Catholics by reason of the success of your army so contrary to their expectation.

Also some days afterwards, when the opportunity offered for me to receive the money, the said Chisholm delivered to me 6272 crowns of the sun, and 3700 pistoles of Spain. And in all his actions since then he has likewise borne himself very dexterously and as an honest man, even then when upon the suspicion conceived of his so sudden return the King sent to take him, as also since, when things being smoothed, he presented himself to the King in this town, who was quite satisfied with the pretexts put forward by him for his said return.

I will also, God helping me, in the keeping and distribution of the money last sent and that yet remaining of the first sum, be guided by the instructions of your highness, and according as I must answer to God in my conscience and to your highness in credit, and to every one in the reputation of an honest man. And I will manage it in such wise that by God's help a result very pleasing to your highness shall be drawn from it. It is true that I find it, as any one else would do who should undertake such a charge in these parts, enveloped in many difficulties. For on the one hand I am in great danger from heretics and those of the faction of England, on account of the open profession which I make of the Catholic religion and of the suspicion which these last have of my secret practices and dealings against them. On the other hand I have much ado to moderate the desire which some Catholic lords have to have this money now, on account of the hopes which they hold out as to pretended opportunities, which will never succeed according to their promises. The earl of Huntly has made request to have one third of the sum sent as soon as it was delivered to me; but as yet he has touched none of it, and shall not touch a halfpenny hereafter but by sure tokens. In the meanwhile I have paid him in incontrovertible reasons, wherewith he has at length contented himself.

I would entreat your highness, by the first letter which it shall please you to write hither to the Catholic lords, to remove from the three who first wrote to those parts in the name of the others an error which makes them think that because they were the first who made offer of their service to the King of Spain, that therefore all the money which comes hither ought to be divided among them in three parts, and delivered immediately after it arrives, without giving a part to the others besides themselves, who are many in number, well affectioned to the King of Spain's service and yours, and as resolved as they are to hazard themselves according to their power for the advancement of this cause. These others in no wise wish to depend upon them in the acceptance of the means which proceed from your liberality, but to acknowledge them as coming directly from your highness, to whom alone they desire to be bound and obliged therefor, and not to the other three; of whom the earl of Morton has hitherto been contented within reason, and also the earl of Huntly never showed himself the slave of money until he was induced thereunto by the third, who is my lord Claud Hamilton, his uncle, who is a little covetous of wealth and thought under such pretext to make his profit.

The said earl Huntly is constrained to remain at court, for otherwise he cannot please the King, who in appearance loves him above all others after the Duke of Lennox his "brother-in-law." He has fallen from his constancy in his outward profession of the Catholic religion, partly through having lost all hope of your support before the return of the said Mr. Chisholme because of his long delay in those parts, partly by the inducement of some politicians, partly to avoid the manifest dangers of all those who call themselves Catholics, partly to keep himself in the favour of his King, who urged him strongly to sign the confession of the heretics and the league of England. But for all that his heart is in no wise alienated from our cause. For his spirit is always good, although he has not the strength to persevere and to execute such as would be requisite in so great an undertaker. But these faults could be remedied by placing about him a resolute man of credit to assist him, as we have determined to do, since neither the baron of Fentry nor I can converse with him openly any longer. For the said laird of Fentry is made prisoner by the King's order in the town of Dundee, not daring to pass the gates thereof under pain of a great sum, until an opportunity present itself to him to fly the country within a limited time; and I, by an express command of the King, am forbidden to approach the said earl, by reason that they have attributed to the said laird of Fentry and to me his constancy in the Catholic religion and his absence from court against the King's will. His imprisonment affects our course a little, and does not allow of my introducing him, as it pleased you to command me and as I desire, to dispense the money conjointly with me. So that, in order to supply his place I have associated for that same end a very honest and very discreet man named Father William Creichton, a Jesuit, who was detained some years in the Tower of London after having been taken at sea coming hither from France. And I will likewise avail myself of the prudence of Mr. James Chisholme, elder brother of the said John, who brought hither the money of your highness: for he is a trustworthy man, discreet and on our side, and very little suspected. Meanwhile part of the money is in the principal house of my lord Livingston, a most Catholic lord, the rest is yet here in Edinburgh in sufficient safety, to aid, if need be, the Catholic lords who will soon assemble here to resist the designs of those of the English faction, who purpose at the same time to reside here at court with power to arrange all things to their fancy.

As to the like sum, or greater, which your highness has a desire to cause to follow the last sent, it would be well in all events that it were sent soon secretly hither, to supply the necessities which may arise, and to give weight upon our side when things shall be in the balance, as there is great appearance that they soon will be, on account of what has been said above. And in case that necessity should not require any distribution, the said sum will be kept and reserved for better opportunities, or until the arrival of your forces in this island.

There is a suspicion, and there are also sufficiently probable arguments, that Thomas Tirrey, who brought hither the letters from your highness to our King, has not conducted himself according to his duty: for he has accommodated himself in his demeanour rather to the inclination of our Chancellor, who is of the faction of England, and abuses the credit which he has with our King, than to carrying out the instructions given him over there. He has not presented to the King, nor made mention of, the letter of Colonel Simple, a copy of which I have caused to be presented to his majesty by the earl of Bothwell as if it had been sent to him with another from the said colonel to him, which he received from the said Thomas Tyrrye at his arrival, who has reported to the said Chancellor all that the lord Don Bernardino said to him at Paris to the disadvantage of the said Chancellor.

He has also reported to the King that the bishop of Dumblane having returned to those parts said to your highness and to others many things to the great prejudice of his majesty: and it is also thought that he was the cause of the suspicion that he has conceived of the coming of the said Mr. John of Chisholme, nephew of the said bishop. However that may be, those other reports aforesaid which he has made have not served to conciliate but to alienate the affection of the King, of his Chancellor and of many other heretics, of the said lord Don Bernardino, of the said bishop and of the Catholics of those parts who have had to do with them.

As to myself, albeit I do not willingly speak to the disadvantage of anyone whatsoever, and especially of those whom I have recommended as I did the said Thomas Tyrrie to the said lord Don Bernardino, yet I prefer the love of truth to men, and would not by concealing it give prejudice either to the common weal or to the fidelity which men owe to one another, and especially to that which we all owe to the King of Spain and to your highness; of whom I am now especially a devoted servant, by reason of 500 crowns of aid for expenses and 40 for entertainment by the month, which it has pleased your highness to give me freely in the name of the King of Spain, without my having ever required it for my part, nor any other thing for myself personally up to this present. For which reason I ought so much the more to render most humble thanks to your highness for the same, and to endeavour hereafter to merit by my very humble and faithful services both the said entertainment and the reward which it has pleased your highness of your grace and favour to promise me.

The said gift of your liberality came to me very fittingly, for by reason of danger to my person I had been obliged to increase my ordinary retinue for my greater safety, which I could not longer have supported without this help. For, from all the lords of Scotland I have never obtained more than a part of the money which I formerly spent in negotiating for the good of this cause in Spain with the King of Spain and with your highness in the Low Countries. As to the 400 crowns which were needed for the deliverance of Colonel Simple from prison, I have put them in the account with the surplus which I had spent of the first sum, according as your highness was pleased to command me.

Earl Morton, to whom I have given consolations in writing while in prison, has begged me earnestly, also in writing, to call to the mind of your highness his most affectionate service, feeling himself much honoured by the care that it pleases you to have of him. By the grace of God he is no longer in danger of his life by way of justice, it not being possible for his enemies to prove anything against him of all that which they supposed in his accusation. Also the King's affection is not so much alienated from him as it formerly was; and in case anyone wished to harm him, or that it were now requisite for the good of our cause to deliver him, we always have means to get him out of prison; and in the meantime we only await the King's pleasure touching his liberty in order to avoid afterwards all the pursuit that would be made if we should deliver him extraordinarily.

When his liberty was offered to him on the King's behalf, provided that he would subscribe to the confession of faith of the heretics, he answered that he will not do it for the King's crown, nor for a hundred thousand lives if he had them to lose, and offered to confound the ministers by public dispute. I will solicit my lords his friends to procure from the King his liberty soon, for he matters more for the good of our cause than any one of the others, by reason of his forces being near to England and to the chief town of Scotland and usual dwelling places of our kings, and that he is also the most resolute, steadfast and energetic of all the Catholic lords.

It is no little marvel how we subsist, considering the means that the heretics have to harm us, and their worldly wisdom surpassing ours, and their ill will and intention against us. Verily one can but attribute this effect to God, who, when the certain news of the return of the army of Spain by the further side of Ireland was spread throughout this country, and the heretics of the English faction were triumphing thereupon, and when the stedfastness in outward profession of the earl of Huntly and some others was shaken, caused the earl of Angus, the chief of the English faction, to die, and at the same time stirred up some dissension among the heretics on account of some estates which some of them affected to usurp against others at court; and by the earnest prayers and holy persuasions of two Jesuit fathers converted to our holy faith two heretic earls of the first in authority and power among them, one of whom is named the earl of Erroll, constable of Scotland, converted by father Edmund Hays, the other the earl of Crawford, converted by the said father William Crichton. They are both able and wise young lords, and very desirous to advance the Catholic faith and your good enterprises in this island; which they have resolved to testify to the King of Spain and to your highness by their own letters, which I will send, God helping me, by the first opportunity.

In the meanwhile they have required me to make offer to you of their humble and most devoted service, promising to follow all that which the said Jesuits and I shall think good to do for the preservation of the Catholics, and to dispose and facilitate the execution of your enterprises here; which they can do more easily than those who are known to be Catholics, whose actions are always suspected by the heretics on account of their religion, of which these two earls have not yet made outward profession: but in that as in the rest they submit themselves to our will and to that which we shall find to be most expedient.

The said fathers of that company reap much fruit in Scotland, and as soon as a lord or some other person of importance is converted by them they at the same time dispose and incline his affection to the service of the King of Spain and that of your highness, as to a thing inseparably united with the advancement of the true religion in this country. If I had commandment from your highness I would give them a little alms in his name to aid them, and to eight others, of whom four are also Jesuits and the four others priests of the seminary of Pont-à-Mousson in Lorraine, who are all the ecclesiastics who produce so much spiritual fruit in Scotland, and win for you here an increase in the number of your friends and servants.

After the departure of Colonel Simple from hence, the lords sent letters by the said Father Crichton and some other gentlemen after the army of Spain to induce it to land in this country, but it had already started for Spain a few days before their arrival at the islands where it had been resting, so that it was no longer possible for them to reach it. Those in this country who are of the faction of England have been in marvellous fear during the uncertainty as to the descent of the said army, and openly confess that if it had landed here they would have been wholly lost.

The earl of Bothwell, who is Admiral of Scotland, and as gallant a lord as there is in all the land, albeit he makes profession of the new religion, is nevertheless extremely desirous to aid you against England, having made a levy of some troops of soldiers and maintained them all this summer, under pretext of going to subdue the islands, in order with his ordinary forces to join the whole to yours had they come here.

He lets himself be ruled by me quietly enough, notwithstanding the difference of our religion, and has often said that if the Catholics will give him an assurance of possessing, after the restoration of the Catholic faith, two abbeys which he holds, that he will from henceforth be altogether on our side. He purposes to send Colonel Hackerston to accompany into Spain some captains and officers and nearly 400 soldiers, all saved from shipwreck in our islands; and because they are in great need he has resolved to furnish them with ships, victuals and other things needful, to testify thereby to the King of Spain the inclination he has to do him most humble and affectionate service.

He has also offered, if we think good, to leave this country in order to go and offer himself to your highness in the Low Countries, and by your advice to go afterwards to do the same to the Catholic King in Spain. But hereupon we will consider what is most expedient. If we can be quite sure of him it will be as profitable for the good of our cause that my lord be in Scotland, for he has a great following all around this town, which is the chief town of Scotland, as also on the frontier of England.

He has offered to maintain and defend me against all those who would attempt anything against me; and for that end, as also to treat in the name of our King with the King of Spain and your highness, he is procuring a warrant from his majesty, of whom he already has a promise.

For every Catholic lord we have elected a gentleman from among the best Catholics, faithful and beloved of all their kindred, to serve them with their counsel, and to assemble themselves upon all occasions in order to resolve upon what is most expedient in that which concerns the good of our cause, according to the will and intention of their lords, who have bound themselves to approve and execute their resolutions, without in any wise opposing them. And by this means we hope to proceed with more solidity and effect than we have hitherto done. Nevertheless those lords will not know of our intelligence in those parts and our final intentions, except as matters in hand shall require, and that superficially and without revealing ourselves too much.

Your highness will hear by the private letters of the lords what remains to be told to you. Edinburgh. 24 January, 1589.

5⅓pp. French. Decipher. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

Third inclosure with the same:—

(Material points in the first and second inclosures.)

That the Earls of Huntly and Morton and lord Claud Hamilton have intelligence with the King of Spain and Duke of Parma, as appeareth by these their letters jointly to the King, and the earl of Huntly's to the Duke: which intelligence hath continued long time, they having offered their service to the said King in the name of all the Catholic nobility, as may appear by Bruce's letter to the Duke; and accordingly by Bruce addressed themselves from time to time to the Duke, to whom they were referred by the King of Spain for advice and direction.

That they were ready to receive the Spanish fleet coming hither last year for suppression of the religion professed here, with forces to assist them against the enemies of popery in Scotland, and to annoy England, and were sorry the Spanish fleet passed without landing.

That they sent Crichton the Jesuit with certain gentlemen after the said fleet, to cause them to stay and to land in Scotland for the subversion of religion.

They solicit the King of Spain to renew his invasion of this island by way of Scotland; whose apparent designs are the subversion of the Gospel, but final intentions are such as Bruce saith to the Duke be concealed from their own instruments, whom they have selected for a council of the best Catholics of every family for the advancement of their religion. So that they cannot be judged to be other than tending to the captivity of the King and the conquest of the whole island.

Bruce hath received divers sums of money, and lately 10,000 crowns by Chisholme, and looketh for more from the Duke, to be distributed among the Catholic nobility or employed for some great enterprise in Scotland, with the assistance of the Spanish forces required by the joint letter of Huntly, Morton and Hamilton, in the name of the Catholic nobility.

That these enterprises to be executed in Scotland are for the service of the King of Spain and Duke of Parma; Bruce's letter in express words. That the Duke, upon their solicitation by Chisholme, hath offered to come in person to assist them, may be gathered by Chisholme's letter to Colonel Simple.

That Huntly dissembleth his religion, as appears by Bruce's letter, and by his own letter to the Duke, to make himself master of the King's person, and so, the Spanish forces arriving, to strengthen his enterprises by colour of the King's authority, having already for that purpose wrought a change of the King's guard, appointing such as are at his own devotion: and requireth the Duke's advice in that behalf.

That Erroll and Crawford are seduced from the religion to the service of Spain by Hayes and Crichton the Jesuits, who daily draw men to papistry and to the service of Spain as things inseparably joined; as appeareth by Bruce's letter to the Duke and Erroll's own letter.

That Bruce is the King of Spain's feed servant, and hath received 500 crowns from the Duke, and hath entertainment 40 crowns a month. He hath long negotiated with the King in Spain and the Duke in the Low Countries.

That the Catholic lords have a plot to take Maxwell out of prison at their pleasure.

That Bothwell is practised by Bruce to join in the said causes, having through Bruce offered his service already to Spain, and meaning to send Hackerston with the wrecked Spaniards to the King of Spain, and to procure warrant from the King of Scotland to treat with the King of Spain and the Duke of Parma.

That John Chisholme, who brought the money to Scotland from the Duke, abused the King of Scotland with false pretences of his return out of the Low Countries.

1¾ pp. Indorsed.

Two other copies of the same.

Fourth inclosure with the same:—

(Earl of Huntly to the Prince of Parma.)

I have received from John Chisholme the letters which your highness was pleased to write to me of the 13th of October, full of the most Christian affection to the good of our cause; for which I very humbly thank your highness.

The support of 10,000 crowns sent to this end is received by the "sieur de [Bruce]," which will only be employed to provide for the most urgent necessities of the said cause, as it has pleased your highness to ordain.

After the departure of Colonel Simple from hence, I found myself menaced on all sides, and pressed in such sort by our King that I was forced to yield to the extreme difficulty of the moment and to subscribe with his majesty (not at all from the heart) the confession of their faith: otherwise I should have been forced to quit the country suddenly, or to take the field to resist his forces and those which he could have drawn from England to his aid, which I could not have done, especially just then, when by the return of your army into Spain I had been deprived of all hope of your help.

But if on the one hand I have failed, through apprehension of the dangers which threatened me with ruin, on the other I will endeavour to amend that fault, whereof I repent with all my heart, by some action tending to the good and advancement of the cause of God, who has put me in such credit with his majesty that since my return to court he has dismissed his former guards and has made me establish others about his person of my own people; by means of whom and of their captains, who are also mine, I shall ever be able to be master of his person, and your aid on arriving to despoil the heretics by his authority, in order therewith to fortify and support your enterprises. Whereupon I entreat your highness to give me your advice, and ever to be sure of my immovable disposition in my first resolutions, although my outward actions be sometimes constrained to conform themselves to the necessity of the occasions, as the "sieur de Bruce" will write to you more fully; to whom I refer myself for the rest. Edinburgh. 24 January 1589.

¾ p. French.

Fifth inclosure with the same:—

(Earl of Erroll to the Prince of Parma.)

God having lately, by the clear light of the holy Catholic faith, driven from my understanding the shades of ignorance and error wherein I had hitherto been bred, I have been immediately persuaded that in gratitude for so great an effect of his divine grace towards me I am especially bound to procure as far as I can that to which the enterprises of his Catholic majesty and your highness chiefly tend. To this end, as also for the advancement of some civil causes and actions which have very great affinity and connection with our people here, I much wished to testify by the present the affection which I bear to the welfare of both, having, before my said conversion, ever been one of the number of your friends and servants out of respect to the latter; to which the former, that of religion, which is the greatest and the most important thing in the world, being now added, I am now also become altogether yours, which I very humbly beg your highness to cause to be signified to his Catholic majesty, and to assure him on my behalf that he has no servant in this land more devoted than I, nor your highness either, as you will hear more fully both as to my intention and private affairs by him who shall take the present to your highness. Edinburgh. 24 January 1589.

½p. French. Indorsed.

Sixth inclosure with the same:—

("John Jamieson to William French.")

[John Chisholme to Colonel Sempill.]

I have no doubt that you have already sufficiently full information by the last letters which Doucher sent you as to my return and safe arrival in these parts the 5th day after my embarkation, thanks be to God: and about the 4th day I found myself with our pilot and Douchar, towards whom I acquitted myself of my duty, by delivering and discharging myself of all that which I had in commission and commandment to deliver, notwithstanding the adversity I was in after my return, [ ] being ordered by the intercession of our enemies and the ministers to take me, in order to know and obtain from me the truth of that which some had reported, by whose relation they held me in suspicion, holding my accusation in suspense [through] some of those who had come in the other bark; but I will not yet name any one of them in particular, assuring you that by God's grace, notwithstanding all evil relations and reports they do not know and will not know the best men, my honesty and loyalty being proof against all the riches in the world.

The letters brought from our agent with the other have been given and well received, but the letter of G. Frenche has not been delivered, the reason for which I leave to yourself to consider, which you will be able to do without great study, inasmuch as the fashions and customs of the bearer have been well enough deciphered for you for a long time past, notwithstanding the good opinion that was held of him: but as is said by the common proverb and saying, "All is not gold that glitters." God be praised that they have not known still more, for I kept back the other letter of the said Frenche.

Our new friend to whom Frenche wrote has had the copy and has shown it to him to whom he was commanded, who took it in very good part, wondering that the bearer had not given it.

For the rest I have assured all our merchants of the affection of our agent, and what was his opinion and counsel for their safety while awaiting the consolation of the hope which they have of things to come notwithstanding what has passed. In whose name I have assured them that he would never abandon them in their time of need and persecution; and in order the better to encourage them that he would be ready to come in his own person to help them on every suitable occasion; upon which they gave thanks to God, with many thanks to our agent for his good counsel and consolation, and assuring our agent of their unalterable heart and affection without any falling back; with an increase of two other honest persons and chief merchants no less devoted, and content with the counsel given: with perseverance of will to follow all the good injunctions prescribed for their welfare and repose, considering the certainty of help, and the good inclination which they have had to be proof against all occurrences. 8 January 1589.

1 p. French. Indorsed: "Jan. 1589. John Chesholme to Colonel Simple: by the name of John Jamison to W^m Frenche."

Seventh inclosure with the same:—

(Robert Bruce to William French [Colonel Sempill].)

"Sin the receipte of your letter fra John Jamesone [John Chesholme], I wret to you at lic lengthe as the shortnes of time suffered me, and sent my answere by ane called Johne Abercrommie, whoe departed here frae in the barke wherein Thomas Tirrie arryved. I praied you to excuse me that I might not write then to our millar, and the meane time signified unto you whowe I had receaved fra the saide Jameson [Chesholme] bearer six chalders tua bolles and 72 lippies of French stuffe [six thowsand two hundred and seventy two Frenche crownes], and three chalders and 7 bolles of Spanishe vittall [three thowsand seven hundred pistolettes], comprehendinge the 4 bolles [fowre hundred] which ze have reteined, of the which altogether I have given him a discharge: and his answeare to our millar [the Duke of Parma] touchinge your foure bolles [hundred], as ye willed me both by your letter to me and the direccion given to John your man.

"And as for the other tua bolles [two hundred] whilk I had charge by you to receave of your sister, I never as yett made mencion of them unto her, but obeyed your owen will therein, as I promised conforme to your desire, which I shall obeye also at this presente concerninge this matter, and shalbe likewise readie in times cominge to doe whatsoever you will laie to my charge for your weale and contentment, for to kepe vnviolable the mutual correspondence in frendeshippe and brotherlie love which I owe unto you, whoe hath begunne alreadie soe faithfullie with me that I feare I shall never be able to requite it with the like pleasures in due estimacion.

"Alwaies my true affection shall never be inferior to my dutie towardes you, of whome I acknowledge the 5 bolles [five hundred crownes] unto me and some entertainement monethlye which is come to me in due saison, for in respecte of so manie eminent dangers as threatneth travellers I have bine forced to augment the nombers of my marriners [servants], which I coulde not well have sustayned without that helpe, which beareth more then the halfe of my ordinarie charges.

"If ye thincke it expedient you maie procure encreasement of the landlordes [the King of Spaynes] handes when ye goe to him, as also that I maie have the charge and comaundment or the like of that wee speake of at your last here beinge, when as it shalbe time to beginne our trade [practise]; in the meane time I praie you to advertise me of your will in all thinges, which I will followe precisely, together with the prescriptions already sent by our millar [the Duke of Parma].

"And because I maie not my selfe deale with everie one of our partners [confederates], whose nomber is encreased as you well understand by our letters sent to our millar [the Duke of Parma] by the advice of Davidson [Creyton] one of the men unto whome you graunted once before your departure one bolle [a hundred] of vittell [crownes] to healpe ther urgent necessitie.

"Wee have appointed to everie one of them one factor, which shall conveine ordinarelye for to resolve what shalbe best to be don at everie occasion that maie be presented, and to theire factoures are all our partners bounde to give advises of theire trafficke and proceadinges; soe that nowe wee maie saie wee have more assured a waie to profitt then ever wee had. And I hope that of the same wee shall understande shortlye some good fruite will ensue to your contentment, for the nomber and good will of our partners encreaseth daily, and occasions are offered to proffitt: at the which onelie and theis chiefly which cannot be omitted I shall expose our vittell to be solde [deliver our mony], which yf you please to cause to augment as I have written, it were farre the best, for thinges maie soe fall out that wee maie obtaine the whole trade of this countrie in our handes, which wee cannot be able to entertaine without greater abundance of merchandise [treasure] whereof there shall never be knowledge had throughe me but when I must bringe it to the markett to sell.

"The pilott [the erle Huntley] knowinge of this last vittell [mony] by our millars letters and the bearers reporte made great instaunce to have the thirde thereof delivered incontinent in his handes, but I paide him onelie with raisons, whereunto he coulde no waie resist, for he for his particular was in no necessitie, hauvinge an ease by his subscription against his promise made unto us, and by us in his name to others: and as for the weale of our trade [practises], there was then no occasion servinge thereunto, nor wherein he might proffitt beinge in the state whereunto he had reduced himselfe. Therefore if he wolde not effectuate some thinge of him-selfe for to recover his good name defiled by his last misbehaviour, I coulde not creditt him of no vittell [mony], excepte I wolde lett it appeare that I betrayed my master, givinge his goodes for no effecte and to them that keped not touches with him.

"Truthe it is that beinge so longe without worde after your departinge he was almost despairid of good succes, hearinge together soe manie thinges reported to our disadvantage, and beinge pressed extraordinarelye by his maister [the King of Scotland] and together induced by some mens evill persuasions, he stoode not therefore by his promise. Alwaies he repenteth himselfe gretumlie now, and seketh to amende faultes by some desired effecte.

"Your man hath not remained in his house but uppoun his owne charge for such causes as he can shewe you, and speciallie because the pilott [Erle Huntley] forced to bringe himselfe in suspicion [sic].

"Jamison [Chesholme] hath behaved himself verie honestlie in all his proceadinges; but Thomas Terrie hath not done his dutie to you, for he never did enquire for measter his heir cominge, and when I sent Edwarde Foster unto him to knowe yf he pleased to speake with me, he saide he had nothinge unto me but comendacions from frendes.

" But this is little or nothinge yf he had not omitte to present Innocantes [Colonel Simple's] letters for the pleasure of his competitor [the chancelor or Carmighel], whoe hath caused his master [the King] to write to Innocantes [Colonel Simple's] disadvantage, knowinge nothinge of his guid will be his letter, whereof Ducher [Robert Bruce] caused present awne coppie by our newe neighbour [the Erle Bothwell] unto his master [the King], whoe liketh verie well thereof and shewe that he never hearde of it afore he had directed and sent awaie an answeare to the other. I write to the said Thomas to knowe howe he had proceaded, and receaved of him the answeare herewith inclosed, whereby you will perceave his shiftes.

"I have not seene your servant John since his here cominge: he hath bine ever since in the westlande and I feare that his shippe shall departe before wee shall heare from him. I trust I shall understande by him when he shalbe readie to goe of some thinge that shall fall out for the weale of our trade or them.

"Touchinge our direccions there I shall doe as you have ordained, as likewise in all the rest, wishinge of God and [sic] guid succes in our adoes both here and there.

"From my residence in Leith the 24^th Januarie 1589."

2¹/8pp. Explanations interlined. Indorsed: "Robert Bruce to Colonel Simple by the name of Frenche."

590. [ ] to [ ]. [Feb.]

I intended to have set down to you the whole discourse of the designs against the realm and Scotland and the [ ] by Spain this twelve months past, like as it was written, but I thought it impertinent to send, and therefore have sent only that touches the present, which I intended not to have done till I heard from the King my master, yet in respect of the present necessity I have changed deliberation. As for that which is intended against that country, it may be seen, and I am sorry Edward Johnston parted so soon, for the same day he parted I heard of the coming forth of the Spanish army, and sent a letter after him, but he was gone. If that people might have constrained the Duke de Medina to have landed before he had joined the prince of Parma "it had bene theyr weale," for they had been master of the seas and have had to deal out with a small force, for he cannot pass 15,000 soldiers and scarce 4000 mariners.

I could have found the way to make him crave to descend of his own will, for I ken what commandment he had, and could have given information that it should have seemed that he found matters according to the commandment he received. But now this is all "inutile, seing desseings resolute" cannot be called back. "The people shall not wite me if I have not done all that I might, for I was worthy little if I cold do no more then they accompted of me."

For the pity I have of my poor King and country I think the next is to assure themselves of Scotland, which is very easy if they be diligent and lean not, in their accustomed fashion, to their own proud counsel. But consultations now will not keep their course, "it mon be actions." For as little as they let of Scotland, I knew that the taking of the earl of Morton, that is but a small matter, was so "mickle" thought of by the duke of Parma that it put him in great doubts, for they think it the winning of their cause to be assured of Scotland. But before I go further I will tell you the present state of Scotland and the Spanish project, which is the same the late Queen of Scotland set down in form of testament before her death.

The general is to apprehend the King, who is three ways open to Catholics, whom they suspect to love him. They say, "it is to norish him with the pope or the King of Spayne"; to be instructed in the Catholic religion that he may have in marriage the King of Spain's daughter; this sort are Huntly and Crawford. To other Catholics, as Claud Hamilton and Morton, they open the very project that he shall never see Scotland; but this is since the bishop of Dumblane's "hard answer and miscontentement." For the pope would not excommunicate the King of Scotland till the bishop of Dumblane saw if he could win him by fair means, as a thing proper for his own preservation and of the ecclesiastic estate, to have many kings rather than one great monarchy, which his predecessors Clement de Medicis and Julius III. proved by Charles the fifth. The third sort open it to the Protestants as a thing only for alteration of Court, as Hamilton and Glencairn who have only particular causes. "This hes bene two times attempted alredye and by sondrye accidents dissapoynted." For remedy and for the assurance of England in my opinion the only way is to send as ambassador to the King Mr. Randolph, as best loved with the King and best acquainted with the state of Scotland, and with him Sir Robert Sidney or some young gentleman, "and with them any trifles he likes best," to see if they can move his majesty to apprehend Huntly and some others. But if the King be loath, to shew him his own danger and of his state and see if he will cause to be apprehended such as be chief "poussers" of yon noblemen, as William Crichton the Jesuit, Fentry, Colonel Sempill and Robert Bruce, instruments for the King of Spain. If these were apprehended, albeit some strangers were sent into Scotland, as is craved and is to be performed, yet destitute of concurrence, the King is able to overthrow them, and if he were not hunger shall put them out of it. But the number is not great who are destined to go: four regiments, Patoun being one. If this they do not, they are likely to have as greatly to do on that side as on this and give you the inconvenience the division of your forces will be. If they will send the ambassadors I shall set down to you how to accuse the foresaid persons, upon advertisement how, and how oft, they should have taken the King, who should have done it, and how the ships were made ready and by whom, in what ports, and what colour they found ever if the design misgoverned; and in the meantime their ambassadors being there I shall send one of mine own to the King with this same advertisement, which shall confirm all that they shall speak; but if I should write now it were dangerous, "being in the breacs." I wish the King had the money they have. I ascertain that Robert Bruce is keeper of it.

2¾ pp. Indorsed.

Another copy of the same.

591. William Asheby to Burghley. [Feb. 27.]

I received your honour's letter of the 22nd February on the 26th, with divers others all safely to my hand. On the 27th, in the afternoon about five o'clock, the King sent the Earl of Huntly from the townhouse to the castle, where he lodgeth this night, there to be kept prisoner. You shall receive within a day a second letter with all the particularities of the King's resolute proceeding herein. The Chancellor hath played the part of a faithful and wise servant towards the King in furthering and nourishing his well disposed mind in this action. The King lieth this night within the city, and the town hath put themselves into arms for his defence; for the other party is strong, and many Spaniards about the city. The apprehending of this man will daunt the rest and I hope have good success. Edinburgh.

Postscript. It is thought very requisite that the party taken with the letters be sent to Berwick with all speed and security that he escape not. Signed: W. Asheby.

1p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed.

592. James VI. to the Earl of Huntly. [1588–9]. [Feb.]

"I am movit, my lord, upoun the eirnest desire of zour letter sumquhat to satisfie the request thairof by thir presentis, in resolving zow heirby quhat is the best course ze can tak for reparacioun of thir thingis past. I wald wishe zow then first to considder, quherin ze have offendit quherfra ze ar fallin and quhat is zour present state that theirby entering in deip consideratioun thairof, their may the easelier appeare unto zow the onelie way of remedie. As for zour offencis, I will not at this tyme aggrege thame unto zow, bot this farre onlie I will remember zow of, how farre ze haif promesit obedience unto me in following my will in all thingis, in doing quhatsumevir I directed zow, quhilk ze affirmit to be zour richt honour; how farre promesit ze to gif pruif alsweill in religioun and course; how farre promesit ze to contempne all freindschip or fellowschip, bot sic allanerlie as I sould mak zow.

As for particular men about me, how farre and how innumerable tymes bad ze me anser for zow unto thame, and with quhat solempne aythis perswadit ze me thairto, and was it not zour hardest speache that incais they could nowayis be put out of suspicioun of zow, ze wald be in generall freindschip with thame, bot mell in na materis furyn then awaitting upoun me and quhylis dwelling at hame. And sen zour parting frome me quhat promesit ze to George Home that day upoun the fieldis, in cace any man had delt with zow to withdraw zow? Quhat wrait ze to me efter that out of Dumfermeling, and quhat freindschip promesit ze in that letter to thame that wer about me quhom with I had joynit zow in freindschip?"

"Quhat wrait ze likewayis out of Montroiss; and as for any contrare persuasioun ze could sensyne have gotten, how many millioun of tymes, and specialie that nycht in the cabbinet, efter that suspicioun amang zow in the abbay, did not I then, I say, amangis innumerable uther tymes resolve zow that ze could not baith trow me and thay bissie reportaris about zow, and asseured I zow not that I could not be zour freind gife ze trusted thais practizeris? This farre to zour offencis."

"Now as to that estait quherfra ze ar fallin. Considder onelie this ane thing quhilk is ower mekle the allane, quhat favour and credite ze had of me, how farre I assurit for zow to all honest men baith in religioun and course; and how suirlie I buyldit upoun the laist promeis of zouris, I will twiche na mair of this. And as to zour present estait, luke not, I pray zow, to zour present detentioun, uncouth forme of entreatment, or any unsell particularitie following therupoun. For these ar bot effectis flowing frome a cause, and sa bot a pairt of the fruictis of zour present estait. Bot cast zour eyis upoun zour estait indeid: first, considder quhat I, and nixt quhat all uther honest men man think of zow. As for me, quhat further trusth can I haif in zour promeis, confidence in zour constancie, or estimatioun of zour honest meaning?"

"I, quhome to, particularlie as a man, quhome to ze was maist obleist, and generalie as a Christiane King ze haif so inexcusablie broken unto. And as for all uther honest men, quhat can they think of zow? Ar thir the fruictis of zour new conversioun? Is this a lykelie purgatioun of zour letters intercepted be England? Or is this a guid pruif of zour honest course in my service? Quhat then is the only remedie of all this? Na thing bot this. As ze haif offendit twa personis in me, a particulare freind and a generall Christiane King, sa man ze mak amendis to baith thir. As for the generall King, ze man aggrege and not diminish your offencis. Conceale na thing of zour pretense; be not ashamit to declair how, and quhomebe ze was movit thairunto. Discover planelie the butt ze shott at, and gif any further wes intendit be any utheris; how farr preciselie ze aggred unto; quhat further ze knew of; or wes meanit or intendit be any uther."

"And becaus ze desyre to speik with me, that it may be to this effect only, and so zour speche may be proffitable to ws both, as for my satisfactioun as a particular man, willinglie without irking to be content with quhatsomevir forme I sall please to use zow in: to remit fully to my discretioun zour contentment in all thingis; to use zourself in quhatsumevir thing as I sall direct zow; to deliver the bande gif ze haif it or may obtene it; never to trust heirefter bot sic as I trust, and finallie to repent zow of all zour faultis, that in hairt and mouth with ze forlorne soune ze may say 'Peccavi in cælum et contra te.' James Rex."

2¼ pp. Addressed: "For Sir Francis Wallsinghame." Indorsed: "The coppie of the earll of Huntle his letter to the Kinges Majeste."